Lemonade

Today the kids decided to make homemade lemonade out of the lemons they picked from my Grandma's backyard tree.We don't have one of those fancy electric juicers. We don't even have one of those cone juicers you smoosh the fruit onto.

They just juiced these lemons by hand, squeezing every last drop out of them.

After the squishing and squeezing they sifted out the seeds,

then decided to taste their juice before it was sweetened.

Here is Austin's reaction...

and Lauren's. Amanda barely flinched.

We ended up with a large pitcher and a half of lemonade that's suprisingly good. Strong, but good.

Easter 2010

Another Easter has come and gone. We celebrated by going through our usual routine. I guess "tradition" would be a more heartwarming word to use. On Easter Eve we boiled, then decorated 2 dozen eggs. Notice the look on Austin's face and you can probably guess what's going through his head. After dying a few eggs he said apologetically, "Mom, I'm just too big now to hunt for eggs in the morning." I told him that was ok, that now he could be the one to hide them.

That put a smile on his face!

Aaron tried to get in on the fun but got sent to the couch for teasing too much :) Ha, ha!

We dipped some of the eggs in dye and did a marbleizing technique others. Then Lauren decided to add some finishing touches.

The kids either got ultra-creative or ultra-sloppy, I'm not sure which, but we sure ended up with

some colorful, unique eggs.

The next morning after opening Easter baskets, Austin got to work hiding the eggs...

and the girls got busy finding them.

The rest of the day was spent hanging out at home. Lauren played with her new ball, Amanda read her new book and Austin played his new video game. Aaron and I spent the day raiding the baskets for treats and begging our children for chocolate.

Twirly Locks!

I recently got my camera out and asked Lauren to help me with a little project. I'm a little rusty on the controls, but you'll get the idea. Here is Lauren, patiently ready to go and wondering if she should request some Dramamine.

Weee, this hair can catch some air. Pfooooof!
A little dizzy now... This one looks a little bit creepy. How did her eyes turn white?
Look out for swinging limbs!
A golden curtain!

Ethereal comes to mind.

Still Dreaming...

I wish it really were...within my reach, I mean. I have been drooling over the idea of spending a summer at RMSP in Missoula Montana for about 3 years now. They have an 11 week Summer Intensive program and when you come out of it you are ready to go as a professional photographer. What a dream come true that would be.

Lollipop Turns 9!

Last week our baby had her 9th birthday. The problem is that she's not actually a baby anymore, but I keep forgetting this. I forget that she doesn't always need our help with things and doesn't need to be looked out for quite so much. She's growing up and yet I still have this feeling in my heart that she's the itty-bitty two year old who was seldom found two feet from my side. I guess you would call this denial and I should probably try to resolve this issue sometime soon. At least, before she goes away to college.

Love This...

One afternoon Lauren was drawing at the dining room table. After she had gone outside to play I found this. A single word, accompanied by a few colorful hearts can be so powerful.

La Jolla

A couple weeks ago I was able to play with my camera on the beach in La Jolla. It's been a while since I've done much picture taking and this morning reminded me how much I love the weight of the camera in my hand, the sound of the shutter clicking and seeing only a slice of the world at a time through the viewfinder. The mist was barely lifting as I began and it gave those first pictures such a mysterious/melancholy feel.

I loved how the waves would rush into this crevice, then shoot powerfully into the air.

The water in the tide pools was so clean and clear, you could easily see the tiny crabs swimming around.

Somebody forgot to tell the seagulls they are supposed to be afraid of people. This guy was happy to pose for a portrait.

I was amazed when I came to an area with a ton of sea lions lounging on the shoreline. There was one in particular that caught my attention. Every time the wave would rush toward him, he would lift his head high in the air so his head wouldn't get wet.

Then I came upon these strange creatures who were also lounging around. Group nap? Nope, they were actually doing yoga.